Senate Confirms 64 New Ambassadors, Signals Fresh Push In Nigeria’s Global Diplomacy
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE Nigerian Senate has confirmed 64 individuals as career and non-career ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following a rigorous screening exercise conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The confirmation, which took place during plenary earlier this week, covers 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The development marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement, with the new envoys expected to represent the country across key foreign missions worldwide.
Among the confirmed career ambassadors are Ambassador Nwaobiala Ezenwa from Abia State, Yakubu Nyaku Danladi from Taraba, Miamuna Ibrahim Besto from Adamawa, Ambassador Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed from Kwara, and Ambassador Akande Wahab Adekola from Ogun, among others. Having risen through the ranks of the Nigerian Foreign Service, the career diplomats are expected to bring institutional memory, professionalism, and extensive diplomatic experience to their new postings.
The list of confirmed non-career ambassadors features several prominent political figures and public personalities, including former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang from Akwa Ibom State, former senator and businessman Jimoh Ibrahim from Osun State, media commentator Bemigho Reno Omokri from Delta State, and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Olufemi Pedro. Also confirmed were former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd) from Kano State, and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode from Osun State.
The confirmations followed the consideration of a detailed report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, who assured lawmakers that all nominees met the constitutional and professional requirements for the positions. The committee commended the nominees’ credentials, experience, and perceived capacity to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Speaking after the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors and charged them to serve as worthy representatives of the country abroad.
“I urge you to be ambassadors of excellence,” Akpabio said. “You carry with you the weight of the Nigerian people’s hopes and aspirations. Your role is vital in projecting Nigeria’s image globally and promoting the best of what our country has to offer.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions must go beyond protocol to actively promote national interests, attract investment, strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, and protect Nigerians living abroad.
The Senate noted that the new ambassadors are expected to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, deepen international cooperation, and pursue strategic partnerships in line with the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy priorities. Lawmakers also stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline, and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.
The confirmation exercise also included the formal endorsement of three nominees approved by the Senate last week, bringing the total number of confirmed ambassadors to 64.
The appointments come at a critical period in Nigeria’s foreign policy trajectory, as the country seeks to strengthen ties with global powers, play a more assertive role in regional and international affairs, and contribute meaningfully to global conversations on peace, security, climate change, and economic development.
With a blend of seasoned career diplomats and politically appointed envoys, the new batch of ambassadors is expected to reflect both continuity and renewed energy in Nigeria’s diplomatic service. Many Nigerians now look to the incoming envoys to translate their appointments into tangible gains for the country’s image, influence, and interests on the global stage.
The Senate’s approval underscores the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria as a confident and influential player in international diplomacy.
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